Gerðu móðurmál þitt að hluta af nýja málinu þínu
Explore how incorporating your mother tongue into an adapted language—by focusing on linguistic differences such as alphabet, sound, and visual form—can be used creatively in writing.

 

 

Your Task (40 minutes) 
  1. Identify differences (5 min). Compare your mother tongue and your adapted language(s). Look at alphabets, sounds, spelling, or visual forms. What stands out?

    If you want to get some linguistic inspiration have a look at Omniglot – “the online encyclopedia of writing systems and languages”

  2. Choose an element (5 min). Select one specific feature (a letter, sound, symbol, or visual difference) that feels meaningful to you.
  3. Experiment visually or phonetically (10 min) Incorporate this element into a word, phrase, or short text in your adapted language. You can mix alphabets, alter spelling, or highlight certain letters. Consider what this element evokes. Focus on emotions, impressions, and new meanings. Does it create distance, identity, contrast, or connection?
  4. Write a short piece (20 min). Create a short text or visual poem where this language blending plays a role in shaping meaning. Does your use of language create distance from the reader, or invite them closer? Adjust your text to emphasise the effect you want—clarity or ambiguity, closeness or distance.

 

Reflection
  • How does it make you feel when you come across a foreign word in a text? Does it spark curiosity, or does it create confusion?